family

noun fam·i·ly \ˈfam-lē, ˈfa-mə-\

: a group of people who are related to each other

I have had a lot of families.  A lot.  My mother was married four times.  Four.  Each came with a family. Two of them were snatched from me by divorce.  I didn't have to let them be snatched, but
I did.  Why?  I don't know. 

I have a church family.  It isn't the church where I attend.  It is the family I had at First Presbyterian Church growing up.  That was my family.  They knew me.  I miss that.

But, I do have a family of Christian friends.  Some go to my church. I love them and I know they love me.

I have many life long friends whom I consider family.  Karen from 2nd grade at Hope School.  Carolyn from Jr. High and High School. Deb Pulver, JoDee Hahn, Cheryl Matter from college.  Tricia, Deb, Lisa, Jill, Daisy, Carolee, Laura, Caz...... oh, the list could go on and on.  Why they have all agreed to be part of my family, I do not know.... but they have. 

I have the Adams School family from long ago.   That was a very special time. Often I rest there in my thoughts.

There are people in the running community that I feel like are my family.  To many I am the distant cousin.... very distant, but still family.

There are countless classrooms full of children who are all my family.  Forever.  Even if I can't remember their names as the years tic by,  they are part of me.

I have my own family and... Johnsons, Groves, McKees...... so many in the extended family.  So blessed to have you all and can't list you all.

How do I know if it is family?  I can say anything and not worry about it over and over and over.  I don't ask for forgiveness for being me.  If you are family, you "get" me and I "get" you.   I don't have to explain myself and you don't have to explain yourself.  How do I know family?  Family knows me and I know them. They don't avoid me and I don't feel like I have to avoid them. They don't make me feel alone. I hope I don't make them feel alone.  If I do, I don't mean to.

Family probably doesn't always like me and I might not always like them or vote like they do, but we all love each other.  We are alike.  We are connected.  No one is left behind.